Search

Search Results

• 31. [Article] Organizational development: an investigation into the knowledge obsolescence of engineers in the electronics industry

  Purpose. This study investigated organizational development climate within the context of an organization experiencing rapid change in its environment resulting in employee knowledge obsolescence. Secondary ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Organizational development: an investigation into the knowledge obsolescence of engineers in the electronics industry Author: Hubbard, Cheryl J. Year: 1986 Purpose. This study investigated organizational development climate within the context of an organization experiencing rapid change in its environment resulting in employee knowledge obsolescence. Secondary purposes were: (1) determine current development methods and behavior; (2) identify preferred development methods; (3) examine the influence of educational background on development; (4) examine the influence length of service on development and (5) investigate reward preferences and their link to development. Procedure. The data were collected through a sample of 550 nonmanager engineers. The questionnaire consisted of individual background information and a modified version of the Work Description Questionnaire for Engineers (WDQE). Environment factors investigated were: (1) organization; (2) management and (3) peer support; (4) communication and involvement and (5) work assignments. Responses were obtained from 320 nonmanager engineers. A chi-square analysis tested hypotheses for education and length of service groups. Summary of Findings and Conclusions. (1) The engineering population differed significantly in their education and length of service backgrounds. (2) Knowledge foundation requirements for entry in the organization in the past five years have increased. (3) Non-degree development is more important for the majority, while degree development is important to bachelor-degreed and shorter length-of-service employees. (4) Reported non-degreed development averaged one course/seminar per year, 2-4 hours of independent reading per week and discussions within the immediate work group. Education groups reported significant differences in internal course/seminar participation and reading behavior. (5) The most effective development methods included a challenging job, reading, an advanced degree, courses/seminars, interdisciplinary teams and internal networking. Education groups showed significant differences for reading and interdisciplinary terms. (6) Primary barriers to development included time, cost, management and workload. (7) The work environment climate for development in the organization was moderate. Peer support received the highest rating; organization, management, and work assignments were rated moderately. (8) The most preferred rewards included salary/merit increases, achievement, advancement, recognition and challenging work. Education groups reported differences in preferred rewards. (9) Moderate opportunity for rewards occurred independent of development behavior. Education groups showed differences in opportunity for challenging work with improved development. Length of service groups reported differences for opportunity of rewards even with increased development. Title: Organizational development: an investigation into the knowledge obsolescence of engineers in the electronics industry Author: Hubbard, Cheryl J. Year: 1986 Purpose. This study investigated organizational development climate within the context of an organization experiencing rapid change in its environment resulting in employee knowledge obsolescence. Secondary purposes were: (1) determine current development methods and behavior; (2) identify preferred development methods; (3) examine the influence of educational background on development; (4) examine the influence length of service on development and (5) investigate reward preferences and their link to development. Procedure. The data were collected through a sample of 550 nonmanager engineers. The questionnaire consisted of individual background information and a modified version of the Work Description Questionnaire for Engineers (WDQE). Environment factors investigated were: (1) organization; (2) management and (3) peer support; (4) communication and involvement and (5) work assignments. Responses were obtained from 320 nonmanager engineers. A chi-square analysis tested hypotheses for education and length of service groups. Summary of Findings and Conclusions. (1) The engineering population differed significantly in their education and length of service backgrounds. (2) Knowledge foundation requirements for entry in the organization in the past five years have increased. (3) Non-degree development is more important for the majority, while degree development is important to bachelor-degreed and shorter length-of-service employees. (4) Reported non-degreed development averaged one course/seminar per year, 2-4 hours of independent reading per week and discussions within the immediate work group. Education groups reported significant differences in internal course/seminar participation and reading behavior. (5) The most effective development methods included a challenging job, reading, an advanced degree, courses/seminars, interdisciplinary teams and internal networking. Education groups showed significant differences for reading and interdisciplinary terms. (6) Primary barriers to development included time, cost, management and workload. (7) The work environment climate for development in the organization was moderate. Peer support received the highest rating; organization, management, and work assignments were rated moderately. (8) The most preferred rewards included salary/merit increases, achievement, advancement, recognition and challenging work. Education groups reported differences in preferred rewards. (9) Moderate opportunity for rewards occurred independent of development behavior. Education groups showed differences in opportunity for challenging work with improved development. Length of service groups reported differences for opportunity of rewards even with increased development. Close

• 32. [Article] Improving Global Impact: How the Integration of Remotely Reporting Sensors in Water Projects may Demonstrate and Enhance Positive Change

  This article argues that improved feedback on the actual impact of development programs may ensure the success of poverty reduction interventions such as water filters, water pumps, latrines, and cooks...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Improving Global Impact: How the Integration of Remotely Reporting Sensors in Water Projects may Demonstrate and Enhance Positive Change Author: Thomas, Evan A. Year: 2013 This article argues that improved feedback on the actual impact of development programs may ensure the success of poverty reduction interventions such as water filters, water pumps, latrines, and cookstoves. Title: Improving Global Impact: How the Integration of Remotely Reporting Sensors in Water Projects may Demonstrate and Enhance Positive Change Author: Thomas, Evan A. Year: 2013 This article argues that improved feedback on the actual impact of development programs may ensure the success of poverty reduction interventions such as water filters, water pumps, latrines, and cookstoves. Close

• 33. [Article] Travel Drink Heater: New Product Development Log

  The purpose of the development log is to convey the readers and the audience about the development of our product from initiating idea until developing the prototype and also analyzing product development ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Travel Drink Heater: New Product Development Log Author: Ashokkumar, Ramkumar, Hsieh, Yi-Lung, Lin, Yu-Hsiang, Mahaphol, Inthrayuth Year: 2010 The purpose of the development log is to convey the readers and the audience about the development of our product from initiating idea until developing the prototype and also analyzing product development economics for the product. The readers and the intended audience of the development log can be anybody who is willing to know about choosing a technology in developing a Travel Beverage Heater. The problem that was not currently addressed by various other technologies and products was to heat the drink anywhere and at anytime. The current technologies that are used to heat the drink are not safer which could cause burns and hurt the customers, not easy to carry, not compact, some chemical based products have also caused injuries to the customers and were not eco friendly. Hence, to address these needs we have developed a product through our thorough research and analysis. The scope of the development log report doesn’t cover much in depth about the circuit design or in depth product specifications. It discusses about various possible technologies in high level that can be used such as chemical based, Butane fuel based and finally battery power based technology which could heat the drink. Hence, having a some prior knowledge about these chemicals and technologies would help to better understand the product but it is not mandatory. The methodology adopted was finding market opportunity through gap analysis of the competitors’ products which were customer complaints unaddressed by the other products which lead to the initiation of idea of developing a product which could heat the drink that is light, easy to use and safe to carry. Further we considered various potential customer segments that may be willing to buy this product, followed by selecting a potential target segment who were parents having babies and on further interviewing we found the customer needs and then interpreted the needs. The technology was selected based on interviewing the Mothers who have babies which was finally found to be battery based and later we used needs-metrics matrix to come up with product specifications. Final stage of developing the product was product design which was found to be spiral type design after evaluating various other designs. Finally, we calculated product development economics which includes unit production cost, net present value and break even analysis. The development log report starts with product development process which includes product planning and concept development, followed by design phase, product development economics, lessons learned and follow on research. Title: Travel Drink Heater: New Product Development Log Author: Ashokkumar, Ramkumar, Hsieh, Yi-Lung, Lin, Yu-Hsiang, Mahaphol, Inthrayuth Year: 2010 The purpose of the development log is to convey the readers and the audience about the development of our product from initiating idea until developing the prototype and also analyzing product development economics for the product. The readers and the intended audience of the development log can be anybody who is willing to know about choosing a technology in developing a Travel Beverage Heater. The problem that was not currently addressed by various other technologies and products was to heat the drink anywhere and at anytime. The current technologies that are used to heat the drink are not safer which could cause burns and hurt the customers, not easy to carry, not compact, some chemical based products have also caused injuries to the customers and were not eco friendly. Hence, to address these needs we have developed a product through our thorough research and analysis. The scope of the development log report doesn’t cover much in depth about the circuit design or in depth product specifications. It discusses about various possible technologies in high level that can be used such as chemical based, Butane fuel based and finally battery power based technology which could heat the drink. Hence, having a some prior knowledge about these chemicals and technologies would help to better understand the product but it is not mandatory. The methodology adopted was finding market opportunity through gap analysis of the competitors’ products which were customer complaints unaddressed by the other products which lead to the initiation of idea of developing a product which could heat the drink that is light, easy to use and safe to carry. Further we considered various potential customer segments that may be willing to buy this product, followed by selecting a potential target segment who were parents having babies and on further interviewing we found the customer needs and then interpreted the needs. The technology was selected based on interviewing the Mothers who have babies which was finally found to be battery based and later we used needs-metrics matrix to come up with product specifications. Final stage of developing the product was product design which was found to be spiral type design after evaluating various other designs. Finally, we calculated product development economics which includes unit production cost, net present value and break even analysis. The development log report starts with product development process which includes product planning and concept development, followed by design phase, product development economics, lessons learned and follow on research. Close

• 34. [Article] Investigation of the Duration and Efficiency of New Product Development Programs

  This report examines the duration and efficiency of new product development programs. The objective is to investigate engineering trends, and to identify program characteristics that shorten the development ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Investigation of the Duration and Efficiency of New Product Development Programs Author: Cross, Darrell K. Year: 1988 This report examines the duration and efficiency of new product development programs. The objective is to investigate engineering trends, and to identify program characteristics that shorten the development cycle and/or reduce the resources required to develop new products. We chose the automobile industry as the target industry due to the availability of information, but our findings can be applied to other products and industries. Title: Investigation of the Duration and Efficiency of New Product Development Programs Author: Cross, Darrell K. Year: 1988 This report examines the duration and efficiency of new product development programs. The objective is to investigate engineering trends, and to identify program characteristics that shorten the development cycle and/or reduce the resources required to develop new products. We chose the automobile industry as the target industry due to the availability of information, but our findings can be applied to other products and industries. Close

• 35. [Article] Identity Development of Adolescent Gay Black Males

  During adolescence, self-identified gay black males may develop their identities differently than their gay white male counterparts. This may be attributed to the reconciliation of stressors when developing ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Identity Development of Adolescent Gay Black Males Author: Crumley, Miles J. Year: 2013 During adolescence, self-identified gay black males may develop their identities differently than their gay white male counterparts. This may be attributed to the reconciliation of stressors when developing gay, black, and male identities within certain environmental contexts. To investigate this, twelve qualitative interviews were conducted of gay black males from which developmental themes were extracted. While many of the developmental processes are similar to their white homosexual counterparts, some differences were noted regarding racism, objectification by the white gay community, and use of the internet to develop particular identities. A new theory using dynamic systems theory that includes many complexities of identity development is proposed. A hybrid story-like model was developed to illustrate the roles of lenses and buffers as they pertain to how an identity functions. Lenses allow a person to see their way through a variety of experiences; buffers contain coping mechanisms and skills to alleviate tension from negative experiences. Future research should include other minority groups and women for a more complete picture of identity development processes. This would allow better tools to be built that can be utilized by intervention designers. Title: Identity Development of Adolescent Gay Black Males Author: Crumley, Miles J. Year: 2013 During adolescence, self-identified gay black males may develop their identities differently than their gay white male counterparts. This may be attributed to the reconciliation of stressors when developing gay, black, and male identities within certain environmental contexts. To investigate this, twelve qualitative interviews were conducted of gay black males from which developmental themes were extracted. While many of the developmental processes are similar to their white homosexual counterparts, some differences were noted regarding racism, objectification by the white gay community, and use of the internet to develop particular identities. A new theory using dynamic systems theory that includes many complexities of identity development is proposed. A hybrid story-like model was developed to illustrate the roles of lenses and buffers as they pertain to how an identity functions. Lenses allow a person to see their way through a variety of experiences; buffers contain coping mechanisms and skills to alleviate tension from negative experiences. Future research should include other minority groups and women for a more complete picture of identity development processes. This would allow better tools to be built that can be utilized by intervention designers. Close

• 36. [Article] Overlooked Density: Re-Thinking Transportation Options in Suburbia

  Suburban multifamily housing is an often overlooked housing typology that is the fasted growing housing market in the country and holds strong potential for achieving smart growth goals in suburbia. This ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Overlooked Density: Re-Thinking Transportation Options in Suburbia Author: Larco, Nico Year: 2010 Suburban multifamily housing is an often overlooked housing typology that is the fasted growing housing market in the country and holds strong potential for achieving smart growth goals in suburbia. This housing type is ubiquitous throughout all regions in the nation, is a widespread example of density in suburbia, and is typically located next to commercial uses. The proximity between suburban multifamily housing and commercial uses creates the potential for nodes of concentrated activity, mixed use, and the possibility of substantial non-auto transport in suburbia. While this potential exists, the design of this housing type often follows an enclaved pattern of development, negating any synergy, minimizing the possibility of non-auto transport, and denying any potential for sustainable development. Through case studies of suburban multifamily development in Oregon, Arizona, Florida, and Massachusetts, this report looks at the specific ways in which regulation, typical development practice, and design culture have shaped the current pattern of suburban multifamily development. Each case study includes graphic analysis of physical development patterns, interviews with planners, architects, property managers and developers who worked on the case study projects, regulatory analysis of case study jurisdictions, and surveys of residents. Title: Overlooked Density: Re-Thinking Transportation Options in Suburbia Author: Larco, Nico Year: 2010 Suburban multifamily housing is an often overlooked housing typology that is the fasted growing housing market in the country and holds strong potential for achieving smart growth goals in suburbia. This housing type is ubiquitous throughout all regions in the nation, is a widespread example of density in suburbia, and is typically located next to commercial uses. The proximity between suburban multifamily housing and commercial uses creates the potential for nodes of concentrated activity, mixed use, and the possibility of substantial non-auto transport in suburbia. While this potential exists, the design of this housing type often follows an enclaved pattern of development, negating any synergy, minimizing the possibility of non-auto transport, and denying any potential for sustainable development. Through case studies of suburban multifamily development in Oregon, Arizona, Florida, and Massachusetts, this report looks at the specific ways in which regulation, typical development practice, and design culture have shaped the current pattern of suburban multifamily development. Each case study includes graphic analysis of physical development patterns, interviews with planners, architects, property managers and developers who worked on the case study projects, regulatory analysis of case study jurisdictions, and surveys of residents. Close

• 37. [Article] Spirituality and Religion in Women's Leadership for Sustainable Development in Crisis Conditions: The Case of Burma

  This research focuses on women's leadership roles for sustainable development in crisis conditions with particular attention to the foundations of the leadership roles of women based in spirituality and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spirituality and Religion in Women's Leadership for Sustainable Development in Crisis Conditions: The Case of Burma Author: Myint, Phyusin Myo Kyaw Year: 2014 This research focuses on women's leadership roles for sustainable development in crisis conditions with particular attention to the foundations of the leadership roles of women based in spirituality and religion. The research question for this study ask: How do religious and spiritual traditions contribute to the leadership roles of women that can be effective in building sustainable development in crisis conditions? The study uses a content analysis of a key body of women's writings from Burma. The findings from the data explain some of the ways in which spirituality and religion have played significant roles in promoting the leadership of women at the community level for sustainable development under crisis conditions. The study contributes to theory development by generating a set of propositions on the leadership roles of women drawing from religious and spiritual traditions that can be tested in other regions and countries. The study also offers a set of lessons for sustainable development practice. Title: Spirituality and Religion in Women's Leadership for Sustainable Development in Crisis Conditions: The Case of Burma Author: Myint, Phyusin Myo Kyaw Year: 2014 This research focuses on women's leadership roles for sustainable development in crisis conditions with particular attention to the foundations of the leadership roles of women based in spirituality and religion. The research question for this study ask: How do religious and spiritual traditions contribute to the leadership roles of women that can be effective in building sustainable development in crisis conditions? The study uses a content analysis of a key body of women's writings from Burma. The findings from the data explain some of the ways in which spirituality and religion have played significant roles in promoting the leadership of women at the community level for sustainable development under crisis conditions. The study contributes to theory development by generating a set of propositions on the leadership roles of women drawing from religious and spiritual traditions that can be tested in other regions and countries. The study also offers a set of lessons for sustainable development practice. Close

• 38. [Article] Technology Roadmap Through Fuzzy Cognitive Map-Based Scenarios: The Case of Wind Energy Sector of a Developing Country

  In this research, a national-level wind energy roadmap is developed through scenario planning. Multiple future scenarios are developed using the fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) approach. This research has extended ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Technology Roadmap Through Fuzzy Cognitive Map-Based Scenarios: The Case of Wind Energy Sector of a Developing Country Author: Amer, Muhammad, Daim, Tugrul Unsal, Jetter, Antonie J. Year: 2015 In this research, a national-level wind energy roadmap is developed through scenario planning. Multiple future scenarios are developed using the fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) approach. This research has extended technology roadmapping (TRM) through FCM-based scenario analysis. Building scenarios with FCM is a new approach, and for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, FCM-based scenarios are developed for the wind energy sector of a developing country. Based on these multiple scenarios, a TRM has been developed. Scenario planning and TRM techniques are combined in this study. This research approach is applied to the wind energy sector of Pakistan as a research case. The TRM has four layers: strategic objectives, targets, barriers, and action items. Expert judgement is used to develop scenarios and TRMs. Title: Technology Roadmap Through Fuzzy Cognitive Map-Based Scenarios: The Case of Wind Energy Sector of a Developing Country Author: Amer, Muhammad, Daim, Tugrul Unsal, Jetter, Antonie J. Year: 2015 In this research, a national-level wind energy roadmap is developed through scenario planning. Multiple future scenarios are developed using the fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) approach. This research has extended technology roadmapping (TRM) through FCM-based scenario analysis. Building scenarios with FCM is a new approach, and for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, FCM-based scenarios are developed for the wind energy sector of a developing country. Based on these multiple scenarios, a TRM has been developed. Scenario planning and TRM techniques are combined in this study. This research approach is applied to the wind energy sector of Pakistan as a research case. The TRM has four layers: strategic objectives, targets, barriers, and action items. Expert judgement is used to develop scenarios and TRMs. Close

• 39. [Article] Following the Teacher’s Lead in Professional Development to Improve Classroom Talk Around Texts

  This study examines the process of teacher learning in the context of highly responsive, ongoing professional development centered on classroom talk around texts. A classroom teacher and a university researcher ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Following the Teacher’s Lead in Professional Development to Improve Classroom Talk Around Texts Author: McElhone, Dot, Tilley, Teri Year: 2013 This study examines the process of teacher learning in the context of highly responsive, ongoing professional development centered on classroom talk around texts. A classroom teacher and a university researcher met weekly to view, analyze, and discuss videos of reading instruction recorded in the teacher's fifthgrade classroom. The professional development sessions were framed as teacherdriven action research. This paper traces the evolution of the intensive professional development activity across one semester and describes the process by which the teacher-researcher appropriated practical and conceptual tools for facilitating class discussions of texts. Results highlight the value of positioning teachers as intellectually capable and honoring their agendas for professional development. Insights are offered regarding a model of professional development that can support teacher agency, address local problems of practice, and simultaneously leverage professional developer expertise to build both new practices and new concepts that can be used to solve novel problems. Title: Following the Teacher’s Lead in Professional Development to Improve Classroom Talk Around Texts Author: McElhone, Dot, Tilley, Teri Year: 2013 This study examines the process of teacher learning in the context of highly responsive, ongoing professional development centered on classroom talk around texts. A classroom teacher and a university researcher met weekly to view, analyze, and discuss videos of reading instruction recorded in the teacher's fifthgrade classroom. The professional development sessions were framed as teacherdriven action research. This paper traces the evolution of the intensive professional development activity across one semester and describes the process by which the teacher-researcher appropriated practical and conceptual tools for facilitating class discussions of texts. Results highlight the value of positioning teachers as intellectually capable and honoring their agendas for professional development. Insights are offered regarding a model of professional development that can support teacher agency, address local problems of practice, and simultaneously leverage professional developer expertise to build both new practices and new concepts that can be used to solve novel problems. Close

• 40. [Article] Putting the Region to Work: an Analysis of Workforce Development Services in Multnomah and Washington Counties

  This study was produced primarily as a tool for policy advocacy Workforce Development members therefore much of the analysis focuses on the role that community based organizations and community development ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Putting the Region to Work: an Analysis of Workforce Development Services in Multnomah and Washington Counties Author: Burnett, Kim, Jackson, Ray, Parrott, Britt, Ransom, Matt, Smith, Claire Year: 1998 This study was produced primarily as a tool for policy advocacy Workforce Development members therefore much of the analysis focuses on the role that community based organizations and community development corporations play in workforce development. However, policy makers and technical assistance providers, such as the Workforce Development Board, as well as government agencies, also play a critical role in the region’s workforce development system. Although this report does not focus as much on the role of these agencies, further study is needed to offer suggestions for how these players can best coordinate their efforts with that of community based organizations to meet the needs of participating clients and employers. Title: Putting the Region to Work: an Analysis of Workforce Development Services in Multnomah and Washington Counties Author: Burnett, Kim, Jackson, Ray, Parrott, Britt, Ransom, Matt, Smith, Claire Year: 1998 This study was produced primarily as a tool for policy advocacy Workforce Development members therefore much of the analysis focuses on the role that community based organizations and community development corporations play in workforce development. However, policy makers and technical assistance providers, such as the Workforce Development Board, as well as government agencies, also play a critical role in the region’s workforce development system. Although this report does not focus as much on the role of these agencies, further study is needed to offer suggestions for how these players can best coordinate their efforts with that of community based organizations to meet the needs of participating clients and employers. Close